Des Plaines zoning ordinance requires minimum front, side, and rear yard setbacks that vary by district. Typical R-1 single-family lots require a 30-foot front, 7-foot side, and 30-foot rear setback. Variances require Zoning Board of Appeals approval.
Setback requirements are established in the Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance (Title 12 of the Municipal Code). For R-1 single-family residential, typical minimum yards are 30 feet front, 7 feet (interior) side, and 30 feet rear. R-2 and R-3 districts allow somewhat reduced rear yards. Corner lots have two front yards. Accessory structures (sheds, detached garages) typically have a 3-foot side and rear setback and must be located behind the principal building. Eaves, chimneys, and bay windows may project up to 2 feet into a required yard. Fences are generally exempt from setbacks but have height limits. Construction in floodplain areas along the Des Plaines River must additionally meet floodplain regulations. Setback variances require application to the Zoning Board of Appeals with public notice and a hardship showing.
Construction violating setbacks: stop-work order, $250-$1,000 per day, mandatory removal at owner's expense. Cannot finalize permits or pass occupancy inspection until corrected.
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines regulates amplified music under Title 6, Chapter 6 of the City Code. Amplified sound plainly audible at 75 feet during daytime, or audible at the...
Des Plaines, IL
Outdoor music in Des Plaines falls under Title 6, Chapter 6's amplified-sound provisions. Backyard gatherings with amplified music must comply with the 10 PM...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines City Code Title 12 (Zoning) and Title 8 (Building) require residential driveways to be paved with approved hard-surface materials and meet width ...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines prohibits feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wild animals that creates a nuisance or attracts dangerous wildlife. Bird feeding is general...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines City Code prohibits keeping horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other livestock in all residential and most commercial districts. Only tradi...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines is not located in any wildfire hazard zone. As a fully developed Chicago suburb in Cook County, the City has no wildland-urban interface designat...
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